Is a 4 year degreee still a requirement?

[Iontomorrow]

Hi everyone,

I have an Associates in CIS, several certifications and 10 years of experience as a sysadmin/engineer. Security has always been something I have been involved with but never a direct focus.

I am considering whether going back to complete a 4 year degree has any merit. It feels that unless I start working at a tech company, jobs like I am used to are drying up in favor of outsourcing, contracting, and IaaS, cloud, etc.

So I am considering the options of remaining technically hands-on and digging into security or going the IT management route.

How does anyone out there that may be a hiring manager feel about candidates with or without 4 year degrees? Do they still hold relevancy?

[billclancy]

I'm not a hiring manager, but I often run teams of 4-8 people. I'd much rather hire someone who is a good fit on my team, who has a reputation for working hard, and learning fast. Certs are good, I'm not so big on technical degrees. I only have a 2 year degree myself, I seem to have no difficulty getting a job with a nice salary, and reasonable hours.

[JustinGary]

Given your extensive experience and certifications, it’s understandable to question the relevance of a 4-year degree. Many tech companies are focusing more on practical skills and certifications than traditional degrees. If you're considering further education, Western Governors University (WGU) offers a competency-based, flexible approach that allows you to focus on your strengths in areas like cybersecurity and IT management. Plus, WGU provides scholarship opportunities to help with costs. For more details, visit the WGU scholarship page.